Four reliable used SUVs you can buy at the price of a WagonR!
Sometimes you just need an SUV – be it for road presence, skimming over bad roads, tackling inhospitable terrain or just carrying more people or luggage around. The high driving position and the ability to tackle bad roads are some of the biggest selling points of SUVs. But, not everyone can afford one as they are expensive, and even in the used car market, the more popular SUVs such as the Scorpio and Safari are not that reliable.
What if we told you that there are some used SUVs that you can buy for under Rs. 4 lakh that are pretty reliable, requiring nothing more than a regular service to keep them in prime running condition? After scouring plenty of classifieds, here’s CarToq’s list of four used SUVs you can get for under Rs. 4 lakh. Yes, Rs. 4 lakh – about the same price you would pay for a new entry-level hatchback.
Honda CR-V
Models available: 2005-2007 models
Why buy: Good performance on bad roads, ultra-reliable.
The Honda CR-V is a very reliable SUV. But the issue is, it is petrol powered and hence loses its resale value faster than most others. However, it is very reliable and well-built. The Honda CR-V has had periodic facelifts over the years, with most coming with a 2.4 litre petrol engine and a choice of either automatic or manual five-speed transmissions. It also has a 2-litre version with a 4×2 layout, while the bigger engine is an all-wheel drive layout. The CR-V is a very refined five-seat SUV, that is more of a soft-roader, good for sandy trails or snowed out roads, but can’t take hard core off-roading. Also read: Five upcoming luxury SUVs you need to watch out for
What next:
Maruti Grand Vitara
Models available: 2004-2006 (XL-7 and new Grand Vitara)
Why buy: Good performance on bad roads, ultra-reliable, mild off-road ability.
The Maruti Grand Vitara is a much understated SUV – one that really deserved to sell more than it did. The new Grand Vitara, launched in 2006 is pretty versatile, with its ability to handle hard core off-road terrain and cruise comfortably on the highway. The Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4 litre petrol engine mated to either a five-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual, and comes with four-wheel drive, including a low-ratio gearbox to handle difficult off-road terrain. Like the Honda CR-V, the Grand Vitara loses its resale value pretty fast and good examples can be found for below Rs. 4 lakh. It is a reliable vehicle, which rarely requires anything more than regular service once every 10,000 km. In fact, although it is a petrol vehicle, it does offer slightly better fuel efficiency than the Honda CR-V at around 9 kmpl in normal driving conditions. Also read: Maruti’s FOUR new affordable SUVs for India
What next:
Ford Endeavour
Models available: 2004-2005 (XLT 4×2 and 4×4)
Why buy: Road presence, space, diesel economy
If you want maximum real estate for the lowest possible price, look for a Ford Endeavour. This huge SUV is actually quite reliable and built like a tank, with fairly simply technology under the hood. The Endeavour models available for under Rs. 4 lakh are the 2.5 litre variants (prior to the 3-litre engine) which puts out 143 bhp of power and 330 Nm of torque. It comes in either 4×2 or 4×4 variants with a five-speed manual transmission and low range gearbox. The Endeavour is more at home on rough terrain and carrying plenty of luggage than on smooth roads, owing to its pick-up truck based chassis and leaf-spring suspension. If you want that road presence, it’s a pretty good buy for under Rs. 4 lakh – just keep in mind the impending ban on 10-year-old diesel vehicles in the Delhi NCR region. Also read: Used Ford Endeavour buyers’ checklist
What next: Nothing! Enjoy your huge SUV.
Maruti Gypsy
Models available: 2006-2007
Why buy: All your off-roading dreams come true at minimal cost!
If you really don’t want to spend more than Rs. 3 lakh and want a very capable off-roader for hard core off-road terrain or perhaps a lifestyle vehicle to use on weekends, the Maruti Gypsy is a good buy in the used car market. It is pretty reliable not just because of its mechanicals, but also because it is devoid of any features – not even power steering. All it has is a sporty 1.3 litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive. But it’s that very combination that makes it such a gem, fantastic for racing, great to modify. We’ve seen 2006 models of the Gypsy King in good condition selling for Rs. 2.5 lakh. Add another Rs. 50,000 in performance modifications and you’ve got yourself a pretty hot runabout. Also read: Five tastefully modified Maruti Gypsy SUVs
What next: Modifications. Only your imagination limits you!
If you had Rs. 4 lakh to buy a used SUV, which one would you pick?